Arc Spring Damper Reducing Hysteresis Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lock-up apparatuses in torque converters do not effectively suppress hysteresis torque caused by centrifugal force acting on torsion springs during rotation.
Innovation Solution
The damper apparatus incorporates arc-shaped springs supported by a member with a specific radius of curvature, where the outer periphery of the central portion contacts the support surface, and gaps are maintained between the support surface and the end portions, reducing contact load and hysteresis torque.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the arc spring is supported along its entire outer periphery, then the spring is stable during rotation, but centrifugal force causes increased contact load and hysteresis torque
Solution Approach 1:
The support contact is segmented into two distinct zones: the central portion contacts the support surface for stability, while the end portions are separated by gaps to avoid centrifugal force contact. This segmentation allows different parts of the spring to have different support conditions, resolving the contradiction between stability and hysteresis torque generation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the arc spring have different support characteristics: the central portion has full support contact for structural stability, while the end portions have reduced contact (gaps) to minimize centrifugal force effects. This local differentiation of support quality eliminates the need for uniform support across the entire spring periphery.
2Power
If the arc spring undergoes elastic deformation during torque transmission, then torque is transmitted effectively, but the spring contacts the support holding unit causing increased hysteresis torque
Solution Approach 1:
The spring structure is divided into a central portion that contacts the support for stability and end portions with gaps that prevent harmful contact during deformation. This allows the spring to deform freely at the ends for effective torque transmission while maintaining stability through central contact.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration reduces hysteresis torque by minimizing contact load on the support surface due to centrifugal force, achieving a 15% reduction in friction resistance at high rotational speeds.
Implementation Method 1
The arc springs are arc-shaped in a free state, and elastically couple the input-side rotation member and the output-side rotation member in a rotation direction and transmit torque
Implementation Method 2
even if the arc spring is subjected to centrifugal force, and the two end portions in the lengthwise direction undergo elastic deformation to the outer circumferential side
Data Source
AI summary
A damper apparatus includes a drive plate, a driven plate, torsion springs, and spring housing portions. The torsion springs each have a large arc spring and a small arc spring, and elastically couple the drive plate and the driven plate in the rotation direction and transmit torque. The spring housing portions have a support surface that can support the outer periphery of the large arc springs, and the support surface comes into contact with the outer periphery of the central portions, in the lengthwise direction, of the large arc springs. Also, gaps exist between the support surface and the outer periphery of the two end portions, in the lengthwise direction, of the large arc springs.